Summer is here! Or almost? May has been a wonderful month where the youth honored all CBC mothers by preparing the Sunday brunch and we hope all enjoyed to their fill.

We have gone through a study on peace and the many things that can steal our peace. Some can be external factors and others internal ones. From social media to mainstream news and many other platforms that constantly heighten our emotions and expose us to a lot of information that leaves us in turmoil, comparing our lives to other people and feeling the grass is not only greener on the other side but life is happier too.

All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 

— John 14:25-27

We might not be able to control external factors that seek to take our peace, there are internal dispositions we can have that are needed in such times. Jesus did promise us peace not as the world gives based on external factors that are changing constantly but peace that comes as a result of the Holy Spirit living inside of us.

How he works in us to change our perspective on life and worth. Our response to his leading and guiding is important for us to receiving this peace. Sometimes the path to peace is to make better decisions and other times is asking for help. Ultimate peace is found not in things but in relationship with Jesus.

A few questions to help us evaluate the situation we are in and to clear the path.

In March 2018 CBC welcomed a new associate pastor, Steven Shitemi, or as he prefers to be called, Pastor Shtem. Here's a little more information about our new staff member!

The Shitemi Family

Pastor Shtem, his wife Elizabeth, and their daughter Niara

How did you come by the name Shtem?

I wanted my own identity apart from my father's name and the rest of my eight siblings, so I know if someone says Shtem they are talking about me and not the rest of the clan.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the city of Nairobi, Kenya. I was born and bred in the city. I like the city a lot, unlike my wife who doesn't care for city living.

How many siblings do you have?

Four brothers and four sisters, and they are all older than me.

How did you come to be a pastor?

From when I was young I knew I would end up in ministry but I didn't know when and how. My dad was both an engineer and a pastor so I grew up thinking I would be the same way. A tentmaker and a pastor. I felt God was asking me to go into full time ministry in 2008 or 2009 when I had an opportunity to join an airline and do flight training with them, but the December before that happened I felt God was asking me to lay that dream on the altar. I knew I wasn't going to get it back, and it was hard for me to let it go. The following year I decided to join Bible school and that's when the journey started!

How did you meet Elizabeth?

I was running, preparing for the Liberian marathon, when I had a vision of Elizabeth being my wife. At that time we were friends, but not that kind of friend. I couldn't make sense of it. So I decided to go for her friend and that didn't work out. I was heading for another country for awhile, but I had promised her I would call her on her birthday four months away. And I did, and she was surprised. We continued talking, even though often we missed each other because of bad internet connections. One day while she was in rural Liberia she asked God for clarity about the friendship, by saying that if when she went online that day and I was online, it would be a sign. I was online, and from that day forward the internet worked for us. Elizabeth was evacuated from Liberia due to Ebola, came to Kenya, and a few months later we got engaged.

What are you looking forward to about working with CBC?

I'm looking forward to developing relationships with the youth and their parents. I'm glad that I already have a wonderful base of volunteers and look forward to growing that and allowing them to dream with me about ministry in CBC with the youth and beyond.